The MS Norman Atlantic, a ferry servicing routes between Greece and Italy, caught fire in the early hours while traversing the Strait of Otranto. The fire ignited in the vehicle deck, creating a chaotic environment as passengers tried to escape. Many were trapped, with the flames quickly spreading aided by stored vehicles and fuel. Distress signals were sent out, which led to a complex rescue operation involving numerous vessels from coastguards and maritime agencies from both Italy and Albania.

As efforts to contain the fire progressed, the challenging conditions posed by high winds and rough seas complicated rescue operations. Helicopters were deployed to assist in the evacuation of passengers and crew members who had fled to the upper decks, where they were airlifted to safety. Despite the prompt response of rescue teams, the tragedy unfolded with nine confirmed deaths and 19 people unaccounted for.

The aftermath of the event saw significant media coverage highlighting the need for stringent safety regulations on passenger ferries. Investigations were launched to ascertain the cause of the fire and how it could have been prevented. The incident raised alarms regarding emergency protocols and equipment aboard ships, as well as the adequacy of training for crew members in emergencies.